Overview

Amazon has begun accepting applications from third‑party sellers who want to list pre‑owned books and video games on its platform. The new permission, announced in early 2024, gives qualified sellers a direct route into the high‑volume secondhand media market. Sellers should pay attention because the categories attract price‑sensitive shoppers, collectors, and students, all of whom generate steady demand.

Key Points

• Eligibility requirement — Only sellers who complete Amazon’s approval workflow can create used‑media listings, ensuring a baseline of quality.
• Four condition grades — Listings may be posted as Like New, Very Good, Good, or Acceptable, letting sellers price items according to actual wear.
• 10‑day review window — Amazon promises to evaluate each application within ten business days, providing a predictable timeline for planning inventory.
• Separate applications for books and games — Sellers must indicate whether they seek permission for used books, used video games, or both, because each category follows distinct grading rules.
• Potential margin boost — Sourcing used books from a local thrift shop at $1‑$2 per copy and reselling at $8‑$12 can yield margins of 600‑800 %, while a used console game bought for $5 can sell for $20‑$30.

How the Approval Process Works

1. Submit a request via Seller Central — The seller navigates to the “Contact Us” page, selects “Account Settings,” and chooses “Request access to new categories.” For example, a seller in Texas fills out the form and writes “Requesting permission to sell used paperback novels.”
2. Declare the desired media type(s) — In the free‑text field the applicant specifies “used books,” “used video games,” or both. A seller who wants to list both a used copy of The Great Gatsby and a used PlayStation 4 disc would note each category.
3. Provide evidence of compliance — Amazon may ask for sample listings, photos of inventory, or a brief description of the seller’s sourcing process. A seller could attach a photo of a bulk lot of library‑sale books with notes on spine condition.